A DAWN ad campaign that was launched in the summer of 2009 is getting renewed interest as the severity of the April 2010 Gulf Oil Spill unfolds. The commercial touts using the dishwashing soap to clean oiled birds.
In honor of last month’s Earth Day celebration and just before the Gulf oil spill, Procter & Gamble (PG), the makers of DAWN, stepped up the airing of the television commercial. The ad is tied to Dawn’s Everyday Wildlife Champions fundraising efforts for wildlife rescue efforts.
Dawn has been donating free bottles of its product for many years for IBRRC to use at its two California bird centers and another in Alaska.
After the Gulf Oil Spill hit on April 20, 2010, PG rushed another 1,000 bottles by truck from a Kansas City plant to wildlife rescue centers in Louisiana and Alabama.
The ad and marketing program continues to raise much needed funds for IBRRC and the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA. When you buy a bottle of DAWN at the supermarket “register” your bottle on DAWN’s website the two groups split $1. They just want your bottle ID, your zip code and the store where you purchased the DAWN. Ready to activate your donation? Go to Dawn Saves Wildlife
The commercial was filmed in May 2009 using IBRRC staff in San Pedro, CA at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care and Education Center (LAOBCE). IBBRC manages that center for California’s Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN).
So far, the successful campaign has raised nearly $400,000 in support for the two wildlife groups.
We’ve had a lot of questions about the beautiful song that accompanies the recent DAWN commercial that kicked off the “Dawn Wildlife Champions” program last summer.
The song is by singer/songwriter Joe Purdy and it was released on his 2004 “Julie Blue” album. The song is “Wash Away” (Reprise) and you can listen to more of this terrific music on his album on Purdy’s website.
The “Wash Away” tune was also featured on the first season of the hit ABC-TV series “Lost.” Purdy self published all his music through his own label, Joe Purdy Records. Joe is from Arkansas and before breaking into the LA music scene, worked on a loading dock and as a high school counselor.
Also map: See how your state is doing with Dawn donations
The song really adds to the video. Tugs at the heart every time. Very difficult seeing these incredible animals suffer needlessly. But great seeing some of them rescued and recovering…thanks!
I hear you. It's the best song for a great, emotional Dawn campaign!
We had one person who said that when the commercial came on when she was watching TV with her youngest kid, they looked at each other after it was over and both had tears in their eyes.
Thanks for checking in. And be well.
I understand the want to clean birds and other wildlife from oil on their bodies. But isn't that like washing your car on a rainy day? The birds don't understand about the oil, and will be covered again, 2 minutes after being released. What have we gained?
They are released on the east coast of Florida, far away from the oil spill
Thank you for everything you are doing.
Would it be alright if I linked to you on my food blog for donations?
Valerie, link away! We appreciate your support.